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As the dementia journey progresses, communication with the person for whom you are caring becomes a significant challenge due to confusion caused by changes in the brain. When this occurs, it is difficult to know how to reach out and make a connection yet neglecting to do so can cause the individual to become bored, lonely or isolated. All of which can have a negative impact on their overall health and wellbeing.

Reminiscence therapy is a wonderful way of inspiring conversation and can be a very powerful tool when caring for someone with dementia. While they may not necessarily be able to correctly identify familiar faces, pictures from times gone by can inspire very vivid memories to be shared. Engaging in this type of activity may improve the mood of the individual, encourage positive feelings of self-identity and allow you to learn something about them that you did not know before.

This beautifully illustrated book of traditional British proverbs and sayings, is the winner of the 2014 People's Book Prize, Best Achievement Award and will remind older people of things they may have forgotten, and teach a younger generation about things they may not yet know. When the individual no longer recognizes family photographs and is less able to hold a conversation, this book may provide an enjoyable activity.

Expert Reviews

A picture speaks a thousand words.

Ms. Daphne Simpson

No matter how many years I have spent caring for people with dementia, I don't think I will ever cease to be amazed by the power that an old photo or the words of a favourite song or poem from the past can have on an individual. I have been blessed to witness the flicker of recognition and the retelling of forgotten memories in some of, what I felt were, the most closed off of people. I believe reminiscence therapy can be extremely beneficial and think these books provide a wonderful way of evoking memories of times gone by.